It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Most people might say that about the Christmas season, but the start of the new year is my absolute favorite component of the winter season. (I phrase it that way because I can't say it's my favorite time of year necessarily, I mean hello .. summer, but I do like it very much).

Being cynical about it is a fear response.

Many people laugh and tease about resolutions, since they often go unaccomplished, but I promise you it can be done. Something important to remember though, is that "there is nothing magical about January 1st". Lara Casey from Cultivate What Matters, author of my beloved goal setting method of choice, the Powersheets, says that phrase frequently. We should be reflecting, setting goals, and planning regularly throughout the year if we want to accomplish big things. Living intentionally, with purpose in this way has even been found in the research to correlate with higher income and living a longer life!

Methods for setting goals can vary.

The reason so many folks tease about resolutions, is because they have felt the disappointment and shame of not accomplishing something they've set out to. The reason I think most people fail is that they set a goal (usually only in their mind or carelessly written) and then do not implement a trusted system to help them stay on track and revisit their plans regularly. I use the Cultivate What Matters Powersheets for this reason- to keep myself on track. I have a lot of ideas naturally and have many different components of my life I am setting goals for, so this works perfectly for me. If goal setting is hard for you or you are challenged when trying to come up with goals, I would suggest reading the book The One Thingby Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. This will help you narrow your focus and start small. It works.

Where to start?

Brainstorm any ideas you have. Jot them ALL down. Don't censor. Ask yourself questions about what you want your life to be like. How do you want to feel? What's most important to you this year?

Look over what you've written down. Look for trends & then group by category. Try to summarize categories into one sentence (Big Picture Goals)

Now, work to create action steps that will get you to those big picture goals. Think about SMART- how can you make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive. (Action Steps)

Lastly, (AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN MY MIND) you've got to get these action steps into your calendar or a trusted reminder system so you are prompted to do the work. It's HARD to change. You've got to do the work. You need a system to remind you.

Revisit these goals: monthly, weekly, and maybe even daily! Set aside a block of time each week to sit down and plan your next steps. This is crucial.

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. -Mother Teresa

Happy 2018! Make it a great year!

Meet Alaina!

Hi there, I'm Alaina! I am an Elementary School Counselor in Pennsylvania. Prior to moving here, I was a middle school counselor in West Virginia and Florida. In addition to my role as a school counselor and teacher, I am a PRODUCTIVITY and SELF DEVELOPMENT junkie, planner addict, and new wifey!